United States Tactical Rifle Association

So we are sure you have all heard the news on this story by now in some form or another. Regardless, it was a tragedy well averted by a well trained and disciplined police officer defending those exercising their 1st amendment rights. It goes to show show several points that are worth additional mention.

First, it goes to show that motivation and desire simply cannot win over dedication and training. Just because one may own a firearm and want to defend yourself or family doesn't mean one may be capable of it when the situation arises. So if you own a firearm you had better be training with it.

Second, as we are all primarily tactical rifle folks it just goes to show you that transition to your secondary should be part of your training. Especially if you are also primarily concealed carry. Always be prepared to use your pistol to stay in the fight or fight to get to your long gun. Simply from a tactics standpoint it can save your life and the lives of those around you.

Finally, on a more political and moral issue and some may disagree here. I am all for the first amendment. I believe this incident shows that the intention of the second amendment is primarily to support those freedoms asserted in the constitution and in particular the right to free speech. However you may feel about this, it may be in some ways foolish to promote and instigate mocking the religious beliefs of others. Now I'm not referring to respect to the terrorists or those claiming jihad in killing Christians around the world. They are fair game as they are perverting their own religious beliefs to promote their own private agendas. What I don't agree with is mocking the religious icons and beliefs of others Christian, Muslim, or otherwise when we have allies who have strong emotional connections to those beliefs. Could care less about offending terrorists and I want to be clear about the distinction. What I am referring too is our ability to have deeper conversation on mutual respect with those of other faiths and beliefs so that we as well armed mature citizens of the United States and some of us christians can do more to guide this country back into a more positive direction both at home and abroad. This country was founded on tolerance not ignorance. Pride and selfish ambition comes before the fall and if we act pridefully rather than humbly and professionally we needlessly put targets on our backs rather than addressing and taking the fight to where it needs to be. Let's be smart and take the fight to them, directly support our allies and those working with us, our neighbors and friends regardless of religion and show the world the reasons why America really is the greatest nation on earth.

Texas shooting: Officer with pistol stops rifle-wielding attackers - CNN.com An off-duty traffic officer working security in Garland, Texas, used a G***k .45 to shoot dead two men wearing body armor and armed with assault rifles.

Bravo to all our working soldiers in uniform. I feel like recoil should be given award for video of the year honoring our "other" veterans returning home. Sometimes it's almost like their kind of loyalty makes it easier,...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=MNcrnyqGzbM

"Loyalty" Presented by DEFCON Group Media Because Dogs Rule. For more info on Svalinn and their incredible Dogs visit http://svalinn.com Visit our sponsors http://www.salientarmsinternational.com htt...

So a few things come to light to ponder after reading the linked article and concerning Mike Morell testimony this week concerning the Benghazi attack on our embassy resulting in the death of Americans including current or former members of the special operations community. Specifically addressing altering the "talking points", disregarding reliable reports of field operatives in favor of office analysts, and in conjunction with Secretary Clinton's January 23, 2013 hearing testimony and her now famous comments on what difference it makes.

Ignoring for the moment the uproar in both the intelligence and defense communities regarding the handling and procedures surrounding the events that occurred that day, ignoring the conspiracy theories of political cover ups and protecting administration or justice and state department personnel, and ignoring the lack of effort in bringing the attackers and terrorist responsible to justice, and lets focus for just a moment on the difference the it makes in how we as a country, nation, leaders, culture, and even individuals are held accountable for our actions inaction and words.

Morell admitted to altering the talking points to point toward protests over the outrage response to a video supposedly mocking the Muslim and Islamic community. Secretary Clinton argued it made no difference if the administration got it wrong when it publicly and knowingly, regardless of reasons, by blaming it on protests concerning this video. On the contrary, it becomes vitally important when looking at the global results both internally and intentionally.

Prior to Mrs Susan Rices publicly and wide spread televised explanation of the reason for the attack in keeping with the talking points provided, the video in question had received very little attention or circulation and had largely been limited to an indie film developer underground. After the very public explanation and blame by the white house and administration the same video then went viral, skyrocketing in views and circulation as literally the world wanted to know and see for themselves. The already tainted perception from the administration that the video was offensive to Muslims prevented any fair and open judgment and swayed popular opinion of the video as must be offensive. This single act resulted in world wide protests, hostility, violence, increased deaths, and fueled international hostility toward the US and non-Muslim religious communities.

The administration could very well then be directly responsible for these results and the words and actions of our representatives and leaders carry a more significant weight then some are prepared to be held accountable. The men and women on the ground, in the trenches, and even across the nation care that we get it right, are held to the highest standards of truth and transparency and we should expect the same from those that would lead us. Trust in those that, work, fight, and sacrifice every day defending this nation and lives or ideals we represent. This is likely the greatest tragedy in the entire story that goes far beyond the death of four Americans.

None of us are perfect and we all make mistakes. How we handle them and grow through he outcome defines more than just our character but also our legacy as individuals and a nation. I have the highest admiration for General Patreaus, who resigned after owning the poor personal choices he made when the affair he had came to light. He did not hide nor try to distort the facts or truth. He simply accepted them, asked forgiveness from those he hurt, and moved to reconcile with his family and those that would hold him accountable. While not directly related to the events around Benghazi, imagine the impact on the nation and world if those responsible held themselves to this standard and the impact that truth and forgiveness could have. It makes all the difference in the world. Share this!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-colmes/hillarys-what-difference_b_4675413.html

Hillary's 'What Difference Does It Make' in Context The right wing, which has been trying to push a Benghazi "scandal" since before Mitt Romney blew the 2012 election, has concentrated on one phrase Hillary Clinton said during her five-hour congressional testimony. And it's a phrase they ar...

Absolutely! USTACRA is undergoing a pretty good size overhaul, all for the better. We are bringing on more people, more experience and more challanges.

Next year will be a very good year for us and our friends!

Check out Dave's new video shooting a Loki AR, as Dave puts it
"Very smooth shooting AR Great balance and weight, felt really nice driving it, fast transitions. Awesome lower receiver never seen any thing like it. Check them out, they build some awesome rifles. Very high quality AR"

I also agree I shot this rifle as well and it was one smooth and deadly piece of weaponry!

Dave Howlett Shoots Loki Weapons Systems.avi Dave Howlett putting his LOKI Weapon Systems Tactical Rifle through the paces. http://www.lokiweaponsystems.com/

I mispoke it's not Feb. for Swat Rodeo it's November! Sorry for the mistake!

It looks like Swat Rodeo is back on for February in Tuscon AZ (more info to follow)

Check out some of the shots from our latest Photo Shoot, these two rifles were a blast to shoot, both Loki Weapon Systems & STS Arms know how to build them!
(Dave Howlett is the shooter & Gordon Kelsch is the Photographer)